Concetta M. Leonardis, 90, of Poughkeepsie, NY, died peacefully at her home on Easter morning, March 31, 2013. Her passing on Easter Sunday had special
meaning as Concetta loved Easter due to her strong faith and celebrated it joyfully and lovingly every year with her family.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 17, 1922, she was the daughter of Antonio and Michelina Maffie Carrozzo. Concetta grew up in Brooklyn and attended P.S. #67 Elementary School and graduated from Vocational High School in 1937. She was employed as a seamstress.
Concetta (Connie) first met her husband, Albert Leonardis in elementary school; they were married on July 30, 1944. They moved to White Plains, N.Y in 1949 where Concetta and Albert created a home filled with love for each other, their children, family, friends, and pets and where many a family and neighborhood gathering was centered. Concetta worked for the City of White Plains School District where she was the Cook/Manager at the Ridgeway Elementary School Cafeteria and was well known for her delicious meals. She retired from that position in 1973. While living in White Plains, Concetta was a member of the Sodality of Our Blessed Mother at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, and a member of the Unicorn Bowling Team at Post Bowling Alley.
Once the family was raised, Concetta and Albert moved to Sayville, L.I. where they enjoyed many years together of fishing, crabbing, traveling, making new friends and spoiling their grandchildren. Eventually Concetta and Albert relocated to Poughkeepsie, NY where they continued to cherish their days fishing on the Hudson, picnicking, enjoying their increasing large family with the birth of each of their 8 great-grandchildren, and caring for each other. Concetta's love of family is evident in her home which is filled with pictures that tell the story of her life with her growing family and numerous friends made throughout the years. Everyone who came to Concetta's home was welcomed with warmth and generosity.
Concetta had many talents and interests. She was an expert cook and baker, and a skilled seamstress both at work and at home. She loved nature, flowers and plants of all kinds, gardening, fishing, bowling, knitting, crocheting, and playing cards, board games and Nintendo with the grandchildren, and she took up golf at the age of 65. She loved horror movies and Frank Sinatra. She also loved to go to the Casinos and play slots, and to the racetrack where she would choose a winning horse by their name or appearance. She loved to travel by van with Albert, camping up and down the East Coast to visit her son in Florida or delivering her grandchildren to college. Attending each of her grandchildren's college graduations brought great joy and pride to Concetta, and her trip to Italy enabled her to find her Carrozzo roots.
Concetta was a graceful person who quietly taught all around her about life by her example, her sacrifices, her strength, her positive attitude and her acceptance and love towards all; and she continued to do so right through Easter morning.
Concetta was predeceased by her parents Michelina and Antonio Carrozzo; her sister Phyllis Carrozzo Lovullo; her 3 brothers Andrew, Larry, and Benny; and her son-in-law Joseph Manganello. She is survived by her five children, Frances Manganello of Westbrook, CT, Patricia Killeen and husband Michael of Stamford, CT, Madeline Minisci and husband Joseph of White Plains, Vincent Leonardis and wife Patricia of Hopewell Junction, and Albert Leonardis and fiance Yvonne Valentine of Pompano Beach, Fl.; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Julie, Jamie, Michael, John, Nicholas, Lauren, Connie and Vincent Jr.; and her great grandchildren, Alexis, Christopher, Sean, Henry, Jack, Madelyn, Callie and Gabriela. Concetta is also survived by her brother, Anthony Carrozzo and wife Angie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 4-8pm on Wednesday, April 3 at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc, 895 Route 82 Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 4 at 10:00am at St. Martin de Porres Church, 118 Cedar Valley Road, Poughkeepsie followed by interment in Mount Calvary Cemetery in White Plains.
For driving directions and online condolences, please visit Concetta's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.